Silver Thistle

Silver Thistle (Carlina acaulis - in Polish: Dziewięćsił bezłodygowy) is a biennial plant from the Asteraceae family and it is native to Europe. It grows in mountainous areas up to 2800 meters. The leaves form a basal rosette in the middle of which the flower develops. Flowers are only open while the sun shines. The heads close in wet weather. Silver Thistle is a protected species in Poland. It blooms from July to September. This photo was taken on slope of Połonina Caryńska near the red trail. The Bieszczady Mountains – Poland - September 23, 2010.